Uninsured South Floridians will have an opportunity to get free eyeglasses, mammograms, tooth fillings and checkups when a giant, roving clinic sets up shop Nov. 21-22 at the Palm Beach County Fairgrounds. Organizers are asking area doctors, dentists, nurses and opticians to give up a weekend to help.

Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit mobile health clinic, will be making its first trip to South Florida. Featured on 60 Minutes, RAM gained fame for a recent trip to Los Angeles in which thousands camped overnight to receive free healthcare.

Stan Brock, who founded the Tennessee-based organization in 1985 to provide medical, dental and vision care to Third World countries, said he was invited by Steve Kaplan, a Delray Beach cancer survivor who founded United Cancer Foundation. ``I don't care if you're from Georgia or the moon,'' Brock said, all comers are eligible for care. No proof of income or citizenship is required of patients. They are asked to show up the night of Friday, Nov. 20, to get a number for treatment on Saturday or Sunday. Kaplan said details will be posted closer to the event at www.ramusa.org.

``Whether insured or uninsured, people simply cannot afford the healthcare system, which is very expensive in this country,'' Brock said.

Most patients come for eye exams, eyeglasses and dental treatment. The clinic will also offer cancer screenings, mammograms, flu shots and help signing up for Medicaid.

Kaplan has spent more than a year putting the mega-clinic together, partnering with nonprofits including the American Cancer Society, Palm Beach County Medical Society, Jessie Trice Community Health Center in Miami, Lions Club of South Florida and Florida Dental Association.

The agencies, he said, have agreed to provide follow-up care to those receiving diagnoses.

``We don't want to just say, `You have diabetes, here's a prescription for 30 days, goodbye,' '' Kaplan said.

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